Worried about my dad.

[Midsommar]

Hi all

Sorry to add yet another Covid-19 thread but you guys are good with advice!

So my dad is 65 years old. Works in a very physical environment (steelworks). Has a history of heart problems. Used to work down the pit after his Army days so often gets a bad chest.

Due to retire next year but he is a proud working man and won't leave before he needs to.

His employers are, and always have been, cold-hearted bastards. My dad rang me in a bit of a panic yesterday to tell me the staff have all had a call, telling them they "are furloughed, but are expected to go into work as normal should the boss need them to".

AIBU to worry about my dad in this instance, given his previous medical history? My dad is in no way work-shy; he has strong work ethic so it's not a case of him trying to dodge work. But he is worried about being summoned in.

Any advice on this; can businesses legally do this?

Thanks all.

We've had the same wording used in my furlough 'contract' so I believe saying they may be called in is just the legal side they have to include to cover all parties.

But we were told we'd have at least 24 hours notice if this were to happen.

If he's asked to go back in but is feeling vulnerable can he tell them he's self-isolating at that time?

@NoraEphronsneck thanks for the response. They had a phone call earlier this week from work I believe. There was nothing in writing.

I'll tell him about the self-isolation. My dad hates taking sick days so I think the idea of telling work he is self-isolating will make him feel daft. Even though it's perfectly acceptable, given the current climate...